Registering apparatus



6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 9. 1951 m mm M a r M V M .4 m H J. F. N n M v wkfl @LTN N\\ ML. V

ATTORNEY Aug. 5, 1952 A. J. HAMMEL REGISTERING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 9. 1951 IN V EN TOR. ALFRED J- HAMMEL BY ATTORNEY Aug. 5, 1952 A. J. HAMMEL REGISTERING APPARATUS 6 Sheet s-Sheet 3 Filed April 9. 1951 INVENTOR. ALFRED J. HAMMEL A. J. HAMMEL REGISTERING APPARATUS Aug. 5, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 9. 1951 JNVENTOR. ALFRED J. HAM/YE]. BY M%Q7 ATTORNEY 6 Sheets-Sheet f5 :EIIIII W LN A. J. HAMMEL INVENTOR.

ALFRED J. HA MMEL BY M% 4 A 7' TOR/YE) REGISTERING APPARATUS Aug. 5, 1952 Filed April 9. 1951 Aug. 5, 1952 A. J. HAMMEL 2,605,920

REGISTERING APPARATUS Filed April 9. 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 VII/l INVENTOR. 23 F 14 ALFRED .1. HAMMEL ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 5, 1952 REGISTERING APPARATUS Alfred J. Hammel, Stockton, Calif., assignor to Fibreboard Products Inc., San Francisco, Calif., a corporation of Delaware Application April 9, 1951, Serial No. 220,041

21 Claims. 1

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for the registering of objects in predetermined relationship, and more particularly to registering a strip of materialrin the form of a carton blank with another stripof material in the form of a tab adapted to be secured to the blank, although the principle of the invention is applicable to registering other forms of objects.

A type of carton for which the invention has found great applicability is disclosed in Patent No. 2,288,914, dated July 7, 1942, in which the carton blank is provided with a slitted portion to form "a hinged flap that can be opened. Underneath such fiat portion is adhesively secured a closure strip or tab which is adapted to cover the opening which is formed by the flap when it is opened. This closure tab is also provided with a slitted spout forming portion adhesively secured to the flap of the blank so that when the flap is opened, a pouring spout is formed. The blank is provided with a transverse crease adjacent the top; and .the closure tab is also provided with a transverse crease adapted to register with the crease of the blank; Unless these creases are registered substantially accurately, leakage of the contents of the carton may occur. The necessity for accurate registry of the creases thus becomes apparent.

Summarizing this invention, it comprises continuously feeding to registering mechanism successive objects of one set of objects which in the embodiment of the invention illustrated are the carton tabs; and also continuously conducting to the registering mechanism successive objects of another set of objects which in the embodiment of the invention illustrated are the carton blanks. The blanks and the tabs are conducted with an uninterrupted motion and in the same direction to the registering mechanism which has driven means including a plurality of series of abutment elements. One series of elements is provided for engaging the successive tabs; and another series of elements is provided to engage the successive blanks.

The tab abutment elements are so arranged with reference to the tabs as to engage and positively move the successive tabs to the registering mechanism, while the blank abutment elements are so arranged with reference to the blanks as to engage with and be driven by the successive blanks under the force which conveys the blanks to the registering mechanism. The driven means including the abutment elements are driven by driving means which has a loose coupling or driving connection with the driven means; and the blanks are fed in the path of the. blank abutment elements of the driven means at a linear velocity greater than the linear velocity at which such abutment elements are driven; As a result, each time the respective blanks engage the respective abutment elements therefor, the drive between the driven means and the driving means is temporarily and automatically disconnected. Each time this occurs, instead of the driving means driving all the abutment elements in unison, the respective blanks serve to effect the driving of such elements in unison and in advance of the driving means.

The respective tab abutment elements and the respective blank abutment elements of the respective series thereof, are so spaced apart as to position the respective blanks and tabs in desired relationship for proper registry between the aforementioned creases. Such registry is maintained during the entire period that the successive blanksdrive the cooperating abutment elements therefor'because the registering mechanism is free from the driving influence of the driving means which drives the registering mechanism during the period when the respective blanks do not drive their respective cooperating abutment elements. As a result, substantially at the end of the blank driving period the respective blanks and tabs can be adhesively secured together with the creases thereof in substantially exact registry.

Referring to the drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention adapted for the registering of objects of the type described: j A V Fig. 1 is a plan view of a common form of carton blank adapted to be folded into the shape illustrated in the aforementioned patent, and which is commonly employed for the packaging ofmilk. V

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the closure tab or stripadapted to be secured to the inside face of such blank; t

Fig. 3 is afragmentary plan view illustrating the positioning of the tab of Fig. 2 on the blank ofFigalfj f v I Fig. 4 is a fragmentarysection taken in a plane indicated by the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is afragmentary schematic side elevational view of a common form of machine for forming thetabs and adhesively securing them to preformed blanks. In such view, the registering mechanism .of this invention is also shown schematically; v

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of the portion of the machine embodying the registering mechanism, shown in Fig. 5; portions of the structure being omitted from the view to disclose more clearly the construction;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the registering mechanism;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the registering mechanism, looking in the direction of arrow 8 in Fig. 6; portions of the structure being omitted from the view to disclose more clearly the construction;

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional elevation illustrating the tab conveying chain of the registering mechanism; the section being taken in planes indicated by line 9-9 in Fig. 7 and portions of the structure being omitted from the view to disclose more clearly the construction;

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional elevation of the blank chain of the registering mechanism, taken in a plane indicated by line IIlI0 in Fig. 7; portions of the structure being omitted from the view for purposes'of clarity and only one blank being shown in Fig 10 for purposes of clarity;

Fig. 11 is a transverse vertical section taken in a plane indicated by line II--II in Fig. '7; a registered blank and tab being shown in this view in the nip of the pressure rollers;

Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional elevation taken in a plane indicated by line I 2I2 in Fig. '7; portions of the structure being omitted from the view for purposes of clarity;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional elevation,-illustrating a shoe engaging the underreach of the blank chain; the plane of the section being indicated by line I 3l3 in Fig. 8;

Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional elevation taken in planes indicated byline I 4-I4- in Fig. 12-; portions of the structure being omitted from the View to illustrate more clearly the construction;

Fig. 15 is an isometric view of a portion of the upper-reach of the tab chain, illustrating one of the hook members thereon for engaging a tab; the direction of the view being indicated by arrow I5 in Fig. 9;

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15 of a portion of the upper-reach of the blank chain, illustrating the blank engaging hook member thereon; the direction of the view being indicated by direction arrow I6 in Fig. 10;

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary elevational view looking in the direction of arrow I! in Fig. 1.0;

Fig. 18 is a schematic side sectional elevational view of portions of the under-reaches of the tab and blank chains, illustrating the relative position of the hook members on such chains and the engagement of a tab and a blank with such hook members, as these objects move toward the pressure rollers of the apparatus.

As illustrated in Fig. 1 the carton blank I is of paperboard provided with crease or score lines 2 that have their raised portions facing inwardly of the blank and which are illustrated by dotted lines in the figure. Cuts 3, shown in solid lines, are also provided to form bottom closing flaps of the carton. The blank is adapted to be set up in the manner illustrated in the aforementioned patent. Side panel 6 and inwardly foldable top panel I have formed therein flap portion 8 which extends across crease line 2' between such panels. Flap 8 may be opened by virtue of the fact that it is bound by side incision lines 9. An opening vII is formed below the lower end of flap 8 to enable grasping of the lower end of the flap, so that it may be pulled open by tearing along incision lines 9.

Closure tab I2, also of paperboard, is provided with an inside crease line I3, and is adapted to be adhesively secured over flap 8, crease line 2 and opening II with crease line I3 registering with carton blank crease line 2', as is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. Flap I4 is formed in tab I2 to provide a pouring spout opening when blank flap 8 is opened. For this purpose, flap I 4 is adhesively spot-glued to the inside face of flap 8. Side and bottom incision lines I6 are provided in tab I2 to enable opening of flap I4 with flap 8; the top of flap I4 having a hinged connection IT in tab I2. The zone of adhesive union between tab I2 and the carton blank is illustrated by the stippling in Fig. 3. With reference to Fig. 4, it will be noted that unless creases 2 and I3 are substantially accurately registered or alined, leakage may occur between closure tab I2 and the carton blank; particularly since the set up blank is ultimately folded along such creases before the carton is filled with a liquid, such as milk for which the carton is particularly adapted as a container therefor- In the conventional machine for forming the tabs and securing them to the blanks, illustrated schematically in Fig. 5 which also shows the registering mechanism of this invention, one common form of which is known in the trade as the International Machine, manufactured by The International. Paper Box Machine Company, carton blanks I are positively conveyed or fed in one general direction by being held between the upper reach of a relatively wide continuously moving endless belt 2I and the underreaches of a pair of laterally spaced relatively narrow belts 22 which are driven in unison and at the same velocity as belt 2| from the main drive of the machine. The blanks which are held between belts 2I and 22 are previously formed, creased. and. cut, and are supplied between the belts by a conventional form of feed stacker mechanism (not shown).

The upper reach of belt 2| runs over the usual spring thrust tensioning rollers 23; and a plurality of spaced transversely extending rods 24, secured to the frame of. the machine, are positioned over and adjacent the under-reach of belts 22 to stabilize movement of the cooperating blank conveying reaches of the belts in a substantially constant plane. Belts 22 are provided with the usual belt tensioning mechanism 25.

Tabs I2 are formed from a continuous strip 26 of paperboard which runs under a guide roll 21, and is supplied from a supply roll of such material (not shown). From guide roll 21, strip 26 passes between rollers 28 which are provided with conventional means to form creases I3 at predetermined spaced intervals along the strip, and to provide incision lines I6 and hinge line I! at such intervals for formation of openable flap I 4.

Feed rollers 29, driven in the usual manner from the machine by any suitable connecting drive means (not shown), are provided to feed continuously the strip which although incised and creased at rollers 28 is not severed into individual tabs at such location. Next, adhesive is applied at the desired spaced locations on the strip, by means of the customary adhesive applying mechanism including rollers SI which are driven from the drive of the machine in any suitable manner (not shown), and which are provided with the usual means for applying the adhesive in the desired pattern. The strip next passes through cutting rollers 32 which are also driven in any suitable manner (not shown) from the machine, and which are provided with the usual cooperating means to cut the strip transversely so that individual tabs are formed.

From the preceding, it is seen that the set of successive blanks is fed in one general direction by being held between continuously moving belts 2| and 22, while strip 26 from which tabs 12 are formed is fed in the same general direction as the blanks, by feed rollers v29. The plane of feeding of strip 26 is, however, inclined relative to the plane of feeding of the individual blanks, so that tabs l2, which are formed from strip 26, will meet the respective blanks at a predetermined location above the blanks. The described mechanism is more or less conventional.

Registering mechanism, indicated generally by reference character R, is provided adjacent the location at which the respective tabs meet the respective blanks, to effect substantially exact registry or alinement between respective creases [3 of the respective tabs and the respective creases 2 of the respective blanks. Such registering mechanism is associated with pressure rollers to be described hereinafter for effecting adhesive unison between the respective tabs and respective blanks after they have been properly registered.

With registering mechanism heretofore employed in machines of the type described, suitable separating mechanism, indicated generally by reference character S, and including a pair of cooperating rollers 33 and 34, is provided to effect complete separation of the respective tabs l2 from strip 26; and such tab separating mechanism S is also associated with the registering mechanism of this invention. Rollers 33 and 34 are driven at a slightly greater speed than the speed at which strip 26 is driven, and as a result, the tabs become completely separated.

In such prior registering mechanism, a single registering chain, having suitable spaced abutment elements to engage the respective tabs l2 was provided to move the tabs positively down a conventional guide-Way to be described hereinafter. The spacing between the abutment elements on said chain was such as to obtain theoretically proper registry of the aforementioned creases on the tabs with those on the blanks. However, such registry could not be properly obtained because it is extremely diflicult to time or synchronize movement of a chain exactly with movement of a belt.

With respect to the registering mechanism R of this invention, such registry can be maintained with great accuracy, so that when the respective tabs and respective blanks leave the registering mechanism and are engaged by the pressure means which applies the pressure to unite adhesively the respective blanks with the respective tabs, the aforementioned creases will be accurately alined. This is accomplished by freeing the registering mechanism completely from the drive of the machine during the registering periods, by causing the objects of one of the sets of successive objects to drive the registering mechanism while registry is maintained with the respective objects of the other set.

The registering mechanism R hereof is driven by means including drive chain 36, one turn of which is connected to the registering mechanism and the other turn of which passes around a sprocket 31 mounted on a shaft 38 which is connected to sprocket 39 in turn connected to a chain 4| connected to the main drive (not shown) of the machine. Shaft 38 also carries pulleys 4| of the desireddiameter to drive narrow belts 22 at the desiredQspeed. Mechanism R and associated parts are supported from frame member 42 of the machine in the form of an I-beam which extendsover'wide belt 2 l and is spaced therefrom.

Referring particularly to Figs. 7 11, the support for the registering mechanism; includes support shaft 43 fixedly secured on frame member 42 by nut 44. Shaft '43 has a mounting. portion 46in frame member 42, which iseccentrically positionedwith respectto the main body portion of the shaft so that turning of portion 48 in frame member 42 can eifect adjustment of the height of the main body portion of [shaft 43 above the blank conveying mechanism to provide for proper relative positioning m'etween' the registering mechanism and the blank conveying mechanism. 8

At its end adjacent frame member 42, shaft 43 has journalled thereon a sleeve. 41 which has fixedly secured theretoa sprocket 48 forming part of the registering mechanism driving means and which is connected to the previously men tioned chain 36. Spaced pressure rollers 49 are also fixedly secured'to sleeve 4! and are consequently rotatable therewith as part'of the driv-.

ing means. Positioned between pressure rollers 49 and journalled on suitable roller bearings 5| on sleeves 41 so as to be rotatable independently of the driving means is asprocket hub 52 having sprocket 53 secured thereto and about which passes a chain 54 which has suitable spaced abutment elements to be described more fully hereinafter for engaging therespective tabs.

The right hand pressure roller 48 appearing in Fig. 11 is provided with an arcuate slot 56 (Fig. 9) and a coupling pin 51 fixedly connected to hub 52 of sprocket'53 extends through arcuate slot 56 and projects therebeyond to provide a positive connection between sprocket 53 and another sprocket 58 which is journalled for rotation about shaft 43. A chain 59 having spaced abutment elements to be described and adapted to be engaged by the respective blanks, passes about sprocket 58. Sprocket 58 'is' secured for angular adjustment on" a hub member 6|, by means of cap screws. 62 eachrof which passes through an arcuatejslot 63 in hub 6|. Hub 6! is journalled for rotation about support shaft 43 by means of roller bearings 64; and the hub has a recess 66 in which is removably received the pin 51 which positively connects sprockets 53 and 58 for rotation in unison.

A spacer collar 61 is positioned between sleeve 41 and hub 6|. The free or right handend of shaft 43 appearing in Fig. 11 supports an outside frame plate 68 of the registering mechanism; such plate 68 being fixedly held in adjusted position on support shaft 43 by means including screw 69. A spacer H is positioned between frame plate 68 and sprocket 58, and is fixedly held in position on shaft 43 by means including screw 12. I

From the preceding, it will be observed that sprockets 53 and 58 form part of the driven means of the registering mechanism and are always driven in unison and atthe same speed whenever pin 51 is engaged by the right hand boundary portion of arcuate slot 56 appearing in Fig. 9. Also, pressure roller '49 containing such slot 56 forms partof the driving means. However, because of the loose coupling or'drivns ne t n. p o ide by in 51 n m sic.

slot 6, the drive between the driving means and the driven means can be disconnected or disengaged. In this connection, it will be noted that the diameters of sprockets. 53 and 53 are e s me s tha t re pec v ha .54 a 59 will always be driven in unison at the same linear velocity, and consequently provide an endless chain structure having an underlying reach d an v r y n e ch Mea s i v ded. r. suppo he. pp si turns of the respective chains 54 and 59. With particular reference to Big. 9, the overlying reach of c ain hi h as he elements. or a i the e e t e tabs. pass s o er an. id e s o k 13 wh ch s iq r a le on a ra k t 4. fix y s c re to frame member 4 E om he r about p ocket chain 5 1 1 an up ht r a nc ined nwardl toward i s under yi r a wh ch p es o er an h r id er pr ke ig. 12) Sprocket 16 is journalled for rotation about a rotatable shaft ll journalled in frame member shaft 11 e n rot tab e or a purpo t be subsequently explained. The underlying reach of chain 54 then passes Over driven sprocket 53. A guide shoe, [8 is provided ov r the upper side of the underlying reach of chain 54 to engage the chain and thereby maintain such reach of the chain in a predetermined plane; guide shoe 18 being supported on shafts i9, fixedly secured to frame member 42.

From sprocket 58, the upper reach of chain 59 passes over an idler Sprocket 8| journalled on a pin 82 which is adjustably but fixedly mounted on frame plate 63 by means of mounting of pin 82 in a slot 83 provided in plate 68, and lock nut for fix d y holding 82 n ad us d position accordance. with the tensionto be imparted to the. chain; As with respect to chain 54. chain. 5.9 has an p igh rea h nc in wardly toward its underlying reach and. which p s over notheridle procket 8. fi ly journalled on frame plate, 68. The underlying reach of ch n. 5 a se ub nt al y pa llel to and closely adjacent over belt 21'; A guide sh e 81 is adius abl sup or e on fr me, s at and e ges the upper side o he unde l i g reach of chain 59 to-hold the. same. in pr per relation with respect to belt 2| The adjustment for shoe 8,! is. obtained by means. of slots 88 in frame plate 68 in which pins 89, are. ad-. i b y held y mean f nu s 9 t. w l be noted that tab ch in 5 4, projects in advance of blank chain 58 for a purpose to be explained,

Tab separating mechanism S cooperates with tab chain 54; and includes thepreviously men tioned rollers 34, one at each side of sprocket T6 and which are fixedly secured for rotation with the previously mentioned rotatable shaft ll. Shaft l1 extends through .frame member 42; and on the projecting end thereof, it has secured thereto a sprocket. 92 connected to a chain 93 which in turn is connected to a sprocket secured to the previously mentioned, shaft 38, sothat shaft I1 is continuously rotated from the drive of the machine.

Shaft 11 also has secured thereto. for rotation therewith a pinion 94 which; meshes with a ear 96 having a floating engagement with pinion 94. To provide for such floating engagement, gear 95 is fixed to a shaft 91 which is journalled in spaced arms 98 securedto a shaft 99 projecting through and pivoted in frame member 42. The projecting end of pivot shaftflais connected to n up ht a m. "I! whi h is re en ly urged in such direction by a. spring [02 connected to frame 42, to cause the floating meshing engagement of pinion 94 with gear 96. Also, fixedly secured for rotation with shaft 91 are the pair of spaced rollers 33 which cooperate with the respective rollers 34. Each of these rollers 33 is provided with an increased diameter cam portion I04.

Leading from the tab severing rollers 32 and extending to a position adjacent pressure rollers 43 is a pair of laterally spacedguides IE5 inclined downwardly toward pressure rollers 49. Each guide It? has a groove NJ! in its innerside; the tabs engaging and being slidable in such grooves Hi7. Guides [93 are supported by the previously mentioned shafts 79, by means of hangers I08 fixedly attached to the shafts and to the guides. Guides I06 are also supported in the usual manner on the frame work (not shown) of the severing rollers 32 In the severing rollers, the tabs, although out from the parent strip of material 25, are not individually separated in spaced relationship. However, when such cut strip passes between the cooperating pairs of separating rollers 33 and 34, the drive gearing for which is such as to cause them to rotate at a greater peripheral speed than the speed at which the parent strip is moved, complete severance and spaced separation of the respective tabs from the parent strip is effected. Cam portions led on rollers 3-3 provide a so-called kicker action to insure separation of the tabs in substantially uniform spaced relationship. After such separation, the tabs are free of any driving connection with the strip but are then respectively positively engaged by abutment elements on tab chain G l to be positively conducted down inclined. guides to pressure rollers 49.

f'he abutment elements on tab chain comprise hook members we pivotally mounted thereon at predetermined uniformly spacedintervals. Eachhook member it!) comprises a pair of spaced arms 1H, one at each side of chain and pivotally connected to the chain on ivot pin At one end, arms HI are connected to an abutment element H3 extending over the outer face of the chain. At the opposite end, each of arms III is provided with a stop H 1 adapted to engage over a projecting stop pin HQ on the chain.

Cooperating stops I 14-5 E6 on each hook member Hi9 serve to hold the abutment element H3 thereon in position to engage positively an edge of a tab as the abutment element sweeps around to the underlying reach of the chain, and as such tab is fed thereto by tab separating mechanism S. The inward inclination of the upright reach of chain 54, joining the overlying and underlying reaches, toward the underlying reach at the turn where the respective abutment elements H3 engage the respective tabs, insures that the hook members I09 will fall in proper position as they approach the underlying reach where. the respective abutment elements H3 engage the respective tabs. In this connection the abutment elements H3 on tab chain 54 will always positively engage the rear edges of the respective tabs (with reference to the direction of their travel along guides I98) and move them by pulling them along guides i 38 toward pressure rollers 49 at which location the respective tabs meet the respectiveblanks.

Uniformly spaced hook members l l! are pivotally mounted on blank chain 53 to become enby pin 51.

gaged with the respective blanks as they are continuously moved toward the pressure rollers 49 by the belt driving means 2| and 22. Hook members I I! are essentially the same as the hook members I09. Consequently, the reference numerals applied to the hook members I09 are applied to the corresponding parts of hook members H I, except that those for the latter are primed. Although, hook members I09 and Ii? are essentially the same in'construction, their relative position on the respective chains 55 and 59 is difierent.

It will be noted that hook members II! are positioned in a direction opposite-to the positioning of hook members I09, so'that the respective abutment elements I I3 of respective hook members II1 will be in such position as to cause the front edges of the respective blanksto engage elements H3 in a direction to drive chain 59, and consequently chain 54 since it is positively connected for movement in unison with chain 59,

The upright turn of chain, 59 connected between the overlying and underlying reaches of such chain, extends inwardly toward the underlying reach of the chain for the same purpose described with respect to the corresponding turn of chain '54. I

' To guide hook members II! in proper position flat over belt 2| in their passage about the turn of sprocket 85, a laterallyprojecting pin I18 is fixedly secured to each side of each of spaced arms III of each hook memberIII and adjacent the abutment element 3' of such hook members.

These pins ride against the curved'arms H8 of a forked guide member H9 fixedly secured to frame plate 58 of the registering device by means of screw IZI the lower end of guide member H9 being slotted at I22 to provide arms H3 and to permit the abutment elements H3 to pass between the arms while the pins engage the arms. The respective abutment elements H3 are adapted to engage an inclined edge I23 of the respective carton blanks, and consequently the engaging face of each abutment element I I3 is inclined to the same angle.

Operation.The direction of movement of the various elements is indicated by the direction arrows. The right hand pressure roller 49 appearing in Fig. 11 forms part of the drive means for driving the driven means of the registering mechanism which includes the chains 54 and 59. Sprockets 53 and 58 for the respective chains, since they are coupled together by connecting pin 51, will always be rotated in unison and at the same peripheral velocity inasmuch as the sprockets 53 and 58 are of the same diameter. Consequently, chain 54 and 59 will always be driven at the same linear velocity. By virtue of the loose coupling or driving connection between pin and driving roller 49, the drive between the driving means and the driven means can be disconnected or declutched; and both of chains 54 and 59 can be driven temporarily independently in advance of the driving means.

The respective tabs are always positively moved down guideways I06 because they are always positively fed in the path of the respective abutment elements H3 which positively engage the tabs. Right after they leave guideways I56, the respective tabs are clamped in the nip of pressure rollers 49 acting against endless belt 2|, and are adhesively pressed and secured to the respective blanks as they meet such blanks underneath the pressure rollers 49, adhesive having been reviously applied at the proper locations to the respective tabs.

Although the abutment elements II3 on hook members I09 positively move or drive the respective tabs through the registering mechanism, the abutment elements 3' on hook members Ill of blank chain 59 are so positioned as to cause the respective blanks to drive chain 59 throughout the passage of .each blank through the registering mechanism and upon engagement of an edge of such blank with an abutment element 3' as the respective blank are moved in the path of abutment elements H3? by' belts 2I and 22.

Belts 2| and 22 are'driven at a greater linear velocity, preferably at about 7% greater speed, than the linear velocity imparted to chains 54 and 55 when underflthe positive influence of the positive drive of the. driving means which is effected when pin 51 contacts the right boundary of arcuate slot 56 appearingin Fig. 9. Hence, whenever the edge of, ablank engages an abutment element 3' one hook member I I7, such blank will temporarily disconnect the drive and cause both of the registeringlchains 54 and 59'to be temporarily driven solely by' the engaged blank which is positively moved at all times by belts 2| and 22. i

As is indicated schematically in'Fig. 18, the spacing between the faces of the respective abutment elements II 3 and H3 which are adapted to engage theedges of. the respective tabs and blanks, is such that when a tab engages an abutment element H3 and a"blankeng'ages an abutment element N3, the crease line I3Ionthe tab and the crease line 2' on the blank will be alined in correct registry. In this connection, the correct spacing canbe'in'itially' obtained by angular adjustment of sprocket'58 on its mounting hub 5 I.

The tab receiving turn of tab chain 54 is positioned ahead of the blank receiving turnof blank chain 59. Hence, each of the successive tabs will become engaged by an abutment element H3 prior to the time that'an abutment element H3, becomes engaged with a blank to which the tab is adapted to be secured. Before such blank becomes engaged with such abutment element I I3, the tab previouslyfengaged by an abutment element II3 will be positively moved through the positive drive imparted to chain 54 by the machine; However. at the instant the blank to which such tab is adapted't o' besecured engages an abutment element I I3, the drive willbe automatically temporarily disconnected the manner previously related; and that'blank will serve to drive both chains'54 and 59 of the registering *mechanism 5 (and consequently the tab adapted to be secured thereto) throughout the remainder of the passage of the blank through the registering mechanism. I 3

Thus, the registry effected between the driving blank and the tab adapted to be secured thereto, by virtueof the spacing between the respective abutment elements, H3 and H3, can not be altered or otherwise. affected because the registering mechanism is free of influence? from the drive of the-machine. Consequently, the registering of the creases in question initially ,pro-

vided for by the spacing between the respective abutment elements I Is and II3'- will be maintained to the point where 'the'respective blanks andres'p'ective tabs become engaged under the nip of the pressure rollers 49. In this connection, arcuate slot 56 is made sufiiciently long, so that pin 51]. cannot engage the left hand boundary portion 'of theslot 56 appearing in Fig. 9

of the pressure rolle rs. A S a result, the registry initially efiected betwcena blank'and a tabwill be maintaineduntil these parts are clamped in the nip of the pressure rollers.

After a tab hasgbeen adhes vely united to a blank in its passage throughgthe'pressure rollers 49, and before blank chain 59 is again driven by another succeeding blank; there will be no positive drive imparted tochainsbfl'and' 59 until pin 51 becomes again engaged with the right hand boundary of 'arcuate slot 55' appearing in Fig. 9 whereupon the registerin'g'mechanism is in position for effecting're'gistry between the ne'x't'blank of the series or set of 'bIanks jand the next tab 01' the series or set of tabs. In thisv connection, it isto be understood "that the blanks and tabs are fed rapidly and their passage through the registering mechanism is only for a minor fraction of a second.

Upon leaving the pressure "rollers 49, the adhesively secured blanks and tabs, are then folded and otherwise handled in the usual manner accomplished by the usualfriie'chanism (not shown) embodied in the type "of machine described.

1. Apparams rorfefiect'ing igistrybibbjcts comprising driven 'riia'ns having elements for engaging the respective tweets and positionin them in desired manta for such registry, means for driving said driven means, and 'a loose driving connection between said driven meansand said driving means forallowing disconnection of the drive therebetween 'uponengagement of an object with one ofs'aid elements. A c

Appa'a'ws r a nts e r o Ob e comprising driven means haying aseries of elements for engaging ;sugces sive objects of a set of such objects andanother series o f elements for engaging successive objects of another set of such objects, the respective elements of the respective series being spacedto positionsaid objects in desired relationjor such registry, means for driving said driven means, and a loose driving connection between said driven means and said driving means for allowing disconnection of the drive therebetween upon engagement of the respective objects of oneof said sets of objects with the respective elements of one of said'series of elements.

V 3. Apparatus for efiecting registry of objects comprising driven means having a seriesof elements for engaging successive "objects of a set of such objects and another series of elements for engaging successive objects of another set of such objects, the respective elements of the respective series being spaced to position said objects in desired relation for such registry; means for driving said driven means, means for conducting one of said sets of objects in the path of one of said series of elements at a linear velocity greater than the linear velocity at which such elements are driven, and a loose driving connection between said driven means and said driving means for allowing disconnection of the drive therebetween upon engagement of the respective'objects of said 12 one set of objects with the respective elements of said one series'of elements.

4. Apparatus for effecting registry of objects comprising driven means including an endless chain structure having an overlying and an underlying reach, an endless series of elements on said structure for engaging successive objects of a set or" such objects, another endless series of elements on said structure for engaging successive objects of another set of such objects, the respective elements of the respective series being spaced to position said objects in desired relation for such registry, means for driving said driven means and chain structure, means for conducting one of said sets of objects under said underlying reach in the path of one Of said series of elements at a linear velocity greater than the linear velocity at which such elements are driven, and a loose driving connection between said driven means and said driving means for allowing disconnection of the drive therebetween upon engagement of the respective objects of said one set of objects with the respective elements of said one series oi.

elements.

5. Apparatus for efiecting registry of objects comprising driven means including an endless chain structure having an overlying and an underlying reach, an endless series of abutment elements pivoted on said structure for engaging successive objects of a set of such objects, another endless series of abutment elements pivoted on said structure for engaging successive objects of another set of such objects, the respective abutment elements of the respective series being spaced to position said objects in desired relation for such registry, means for driving said driven means and chain structure, means for conducting one of said sets of objects under said underlying reach in the path of one of said series of elements at a linear velocity greater than the linear velocity at which such elements are driven, and a loose driving connection between said driven means and said driving means for allowing disconnection of the drive therebetween upon engagement of the respective objects of said one set of objects with the respective elements of "saidone series of elements; V V

6. Apparatus for efiecting registry between creases on a carton blank one tab; which is adapted to be secured to said blank with the creases in substantial regiistiy comprising driven means, a series of elements on such driven mans for engaging and moving successive tabs in one general direction, anothr s'eiies of elements on said driven means for engagement with successive blankswhic'h are moved in such direction, the respective elements of the respective series being; spaced to ipositions'aid creas'es in desired relation for such egistmm'eass for driving-said driven means, and a loose drivingconnection between said driven means and saiddriving means for allowing disconnection of the "drive therebetween upon engagement ofthe' respective blanks with the respective elements ofysaid another series. c 7 I I 7. Apparatus, for reflecting registry between creases on a cartonblank and; on a tab which is adapted to be securedtosaid blank with the creases-in substantial registry, cnmprising driven means, and endless series of elements on said driven means for engaging and moving successive tabs in one 'grijrai. du ecti on, arfotherendless series of elr'ne'ntson saiafdriven means for engagement with successivef -blanks, means for moving'said blanks in said direction at 'a linear e e e, itedthe respective ele'. ments' of. the respective series being spaced" to positionsaid icreaseshnfldes'ired relation for such registry, f means, for. driving said. driven means, and a' loose driving connection .betweenTs'aid driven means and saiddrivingm'ean'sj for allow ing disconnection of the drive therebetween' upon engagement of: the respective, blanks. with the respective '.le'r'nei'i'ts. of said and series;

8. Apparatus jfor"jeffecti ng Ire v ry' between crease'sf .on' a eartongt'iank and I on a tab which is adapted'to beadhesivelysecured to saidblank with the creases in substantial registry, comprising driven meansanendless series of elements on'said driven means-for engaging and moving successive ,tabs n ne;gene a1i direction, another endless series of entists onv said driven means for" engagement successive blankspmeans for moving said T blanks inls'aid direction at a linear'v-eldc'ity greaterthan the linear velocity at whichithe ,latt erelementsfare driven the' respective ,el'e'mentsio't the respective series being spaced'..to position-saidcreass in desired rela tionffo'rsuch registry,means for driving said drivenmeans, a pressure roller connected tosaid envmgfm'ean for applying'pressure to the respective registered eienksana tabs, and aloose driving, connection between "said driven means and saiddriving means for allowing disconnectioneiith'e drive therebetween uponengagement of the respective blanks with v the respectiveelemems'or said'anotherseries, the position of said pressure roller. with respect to said endless series of elements being such that the elements are disengaged from said blanks and'tabs substantially when they become engaged by thepressure roller.

. 9.. Apparatus for efiecting registry between creases am acarton-blank and on a tab which is adapted to be} secured to said blank with the creases insubstantial alinement, comprising driven means including a pair of endless chains, an endless series of abutment elements pivoted on one of said chains for engaging and moving successive tabs in one general direction, another endless series of abutment elements pivoted on the other of said chains for engagement with successive blanks, means for moving said blanks in said direction at a linear velocity greater than the linear velocity at which said chains are driven, the respective elements on the respective chains being spaced to position said creases in desired relation for such registry, means for driving said driven means, and a loose driving connection between said driven means and said driving means for allowing disconnection of the drive therebetw-een upon engagement of the respective blanks with the respective elements of said another series.

10. Apparatus for efiecting registry between creases on a carton blank and on a tab which is adapted to be adhesively secured to said blank with the creases in substantial alinement, comprising driven means including a pair of endless chains, an endless series of abutment elements pivoted on one of said chains for engaging and moving successive tabs in one general direction, another endless series of abutment elements pivoted on the other of said chains for engagement with successive blanks, means for moving said blanks in said direction at a linear velocity greater than the linear velocity at which said chains are driven, the respective elements on the respective chains being spaced to position said creases in desired relation for such registry,

means for drivingsaiddriven means, a pressure relief'eonneteutesaiddriving mean" ing pressure toithe rspectiv registered blanks and tabs, and a loose drivingiconnectidn between said driven means 'an d said driving means for allowing, temporary disconnection "of the'fv drive thereb etween upon engagement of ithe'respective blanks;withtherespctive eleinerits of said another series, the position of'said pressure roller with respectto said endless series of elementsb ing such't'hat-the elementsfare disengaged from said blanks and tabs substantially when they become engaged by the'pressure roller.

ll. Apparatus fior effecting registry between creases on a b ats tank andon atabwhich is adapted to be adhesively secured to-said blank with the creases insubstantial alinement; comprising drivenmeans including a pair of endless chains n nd es es a lltm nt. 916 161 i n. one Q a ds ain r9 :eneasm and o ie su e s rei bs 9 ener l'ec Q i e o h re s series of u men l me ts n roted on the other of said chains for engagement wi h successive b s m ans o m vin said blanks in saiddirectionat a; linear; velocity e -t n h ine fi. el ity at .zwh ch Said chains are driven, the respective elements;- on the respective chains-being spacedto position said creases in, desired relation for: such. registry, means fordriving saiddriven meansya pressure roller connected-to sa' ing means for-applys e re 9 t. ,i e-r sis resima and tabs, s bf se ds ain lha nsa z n e lying. reach leading t fiaid pressure roller forenseein the re pe v .b an ssrandta st ai pressure roller, and a loos e;dr iving connection e e s i ven; meansland d; drivin means for allowing; temporary- 1disconnection, of t e, i et e b ween upone seeement 0f the respective blanks ,with -the; respective, elements of, said another series-, the position of said pressure roller 'th respect to; said ,endless'series; of l ltncn ab such; t at the-elements are. disen aged irom -saidihlanks and; abs-Substantially when they become engagedby the pressure roller.

12. Apparatus for. V veffecting registry between creases-on -a-,car ton blank and onaa' tab which, is adapted .7 to be. adhesively ;secured. to said blank with the creases insubstantialalinement, comprising driven means including a pair of endless chains, an endless series Of abutment elements pivoted on one of said chains for engaging and moving successive tabs in one general direction, another endless series of abutment elements pivoted on the other of said chains for engagement with successive blanks, means for moving said blanks in said direction at a linear velocity greater than the linear velocity at which said chains are driven, the respective elements on the respective chains being spaced to position said creases in desired relation for such registry, means for driving said driven means, a pressure roller connected to said driving means for applying pressure to the respective registered blanks and tabs, each of said chains having an overlying and an underlying reach, the underlying reach of each chain leading to said pressure roller for engaging the respective blanks and tabs to said pressure roller, the overlying and the underlying reach of each chain being joined by an unright reach which is inclined inwardly toward the associated underlying reach atthe turns of said chains where said elements engage the blanks and the tabs, and a loose driving connection between said driven means and said driving means for allowing temporary disconnection of the drive therebetween upon engagement of the respective blanks with the respective elements of said another series, the position of said pressure roller with respect to said endless series of elements being such that the elements are disengaged from said blanks and tabs substantially when they become engaged by the pressure roller.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 in which said turn of the tab chain is positioned ahead oi! said turn of the blank chain whereby the respective tabs are engaged'by the respective elements on the tab chain prior to engagementof the respective blanks with the respective elements on the blank chain.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 in which the underlying reach or the tab chain is inclined downwardly toward said pressure roller, the means for moving the blanks comprises a belt, and the underlying reach of the blank chain rides substantially parallel to and closely adjacent said belt. 7

15. The apparatus of claim 12 in which said turn ofthe tab chain is positioned ahead of said turn of the blank chain whereby the respective tabs are engaged by the respective elements on the tab chain prior to engagement of the respective blanks with the respective elements on the blank chain, the underlying reach of the tab chain is inclined downwardly toward said pressure roller, the means for moving the blank comprises a belt, and the underlying reach oi the blank chain rides substantially parallel to and closely adjacent said belt.

16. In registering apparatus of the character described, a plurality of laterally spaced cooperable endless chains each having registering elements thereon, laterally spaced sprockets about which said chains turn, a rotatable driving member located between said sprockets and having an arcuate slot therein, and a pin connecting said sprockets and extending through said slot whereby a loose driving connection is provided between said driving member and said sprockets.

17. .In registerin'gi apparatus of the character described, drivenmeans' comprising a plurality of endless chains, each otsai'd chains having an endless series of registering elements mounted 16 thereon, the spacing between the respective elements on the respective chains being such as to provide the desired registry, means for driving said chains in unison; and a loose driving connection between said driving means and said driven means allowing temporary disconnection of the drive therebetween.

18. In registering apparatus 01 the class described, an endless member adapted to be driven and having an endless series of registering elements thereon adapted to be successively engaged by successive objects to drive the member, means to drive said member independently of said objects, and a loose driving connection between said member and said driving means to allow said objects to drive said member.

19. In registering apparatus or the class described, an endless chain adapted to be driven and having an endless series of registering elements pivotally mounted thereon and which are adapted to be successively engaged by successive strips of material to drive the chain, means to move said strips into' engagement with the respective elements, means to drive said chain independently of said strips and at a slower speed than the means for moving said strips, and a loose driving connection between said chain and said driving means to allow said strips to drive said chain in advance of said driving means.

20. The apparatus oi claim 19 in which said endless chain has an upper reach and an under reach, the means to move said strips comprises an endless belt adjacent said under reach, and said registering elements are positioned to ride over said belt.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 in which guide means is provided to conduct each registering element in proper relation to said belt as it approaches the under reach of said chain.

ALFRED J. HAMMEL.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Shields Apr. 12, 1949 Number 

